A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Lavinia since 1880
Babies named Lavinia per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1921, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Lavinia's real moment was 1886.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 225 |
| 1890s | 300 |
| 1900s | 310 |
| 1910s | 578 |
| 1920s | 740 |
| 1930s | 382 |
| 1940s | 350 |
| 1950s | 362 |
| 1960s | 380 |
| 1970s | 350 |
| 1980s | 197 |
| 1990s | 171 |
| 2000s | 264 |
| 2010s | 586 |
| 2020s | 465 |
Meaning & origin
Lavinia is a classical name with deep roots in Roman mythology, yet it remains an uncommon choice in modern times. In 2025, it ranked 2,276th in the United States, with just 1 in 20,091 girls receiving the name. Its popularity peaked in 1886, during the late 19th century, after which it declined steadily. However, since 1997, the name has been on a slow upward trajectory, suggesting renewed interest among parents seeking distinctive vintage names. Lavinia is most popular in states like Massachusetts, Virginia, and Florida, reflecting a regional preference for traditional names with literary and historical flair. Despite its rarity, Lavinia offers a rich heritage and a melodic sound, appealing to those who value classical elegance.
Lavinia is a name of ancient origin, traditionally associated with Roman mythology. In Virgil's Aeneid, Lavinia was the daughter of King Latinus and the wife of Aeneas, making her a central figure in the founding legend of Rome. The name may derive from the Latin word 'lavare' meaning 'to wash,' or from the Etruscan name 'Lavine.' It has been used in English-speaking countries since the 18th century, often appreciated for its classical and poetic associations.
Where Lavinia is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Lavinia” around the world
Where Lavinia lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lavi, Vin, Vinnie, Lav
Variants: Lavinie, Lavina
Sibling names for Lavinia
Names that share Lavinia's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Aurelia, Cordelia, Ophelia, Seraphina, Juliet, Drucilla, Drusilla, Lucina, Venetia, Corinthia, Dorathea, Edmonia, Tamora, Albertia, Charmion, Devonia, Lugenia, Narcissa, Parthenia, Vinia, Aurilla, Calvina, Endora, Evadna, Genevra, Lesieli, Luwanda, Melvinia
Brothers: Augustus, Felix, Julius, Silas, Theodore, Aeneas, Remus, Romulus, Balthazar, Quirino, Siaosi
